Close Up hosts and takes part in a variety of civic engagement events, both in person and online, to help students and teachers discuss policy issues and connect with members of our nationwide community. These discussions, deliberations, and presentations allow participants to hear different perspectives from experts and each other, and consider new approaches to engaging with current issues.
National Deliberations for the 2024-25 School Year
Close Up and Stanford’s Deliberative Democracy Lab (DDL) host online issue deliberations for students nationwide. Deliberations take place virtually using Stanford’s online deliberation platform. Each event is two hours long and includes a synchronous deliberation followed by an expert panel seminar.
Stay tuned for more information about our next national online deliberation!
Requirements for participation: Every student will need to read briefing materials ahead of the event, log on from their own device with headphones, and complete pre- and post-deliberation surveys. Dates and times are subject to change.
Close Up at the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Conference
February 19-21, 2025 | Austin Convention Center & Online | Booth #424 | Austin, TX
Are you attending this year’s National ESEA Conference in Austin? Be sure to catch up with Close Up at booth #424 to learn how our unique brand of civic education programming can help you best meet the needs of disadvantaged students.
Close Up at the National Association for Bilingual Education 54th Annual International Conference
February 19-22, 2025 | Hyatt Regency | Atlanta, GA
Come and see Close Up and hear about our many offerings for experiential programming, professional development, and curriculum design specifically tailored to bilingual education at NABE’s 54th Annual International Bilingual Education Conference in Atlanta!
Close Up at the VCSS 2025 Summit
February 21, 2025 | Richmond, VA
If you’re planning to attend the Virginia Council for the Social Studies Summit in Richmond, be sure to snag a seat at Director of Professional Development Sante Mastriana’s session, “Multipartisan Instructional Techniques in the Era of Partisanship.” See you there!
Close Up at the NAIS Annual Conference
February 26-27, 2025 | Nashville, TN
Catch up with Close Up in Music City! NNSP Executive Director Blake Kohn and Director of Professional Development Sante Mastriana will lead two sessions at the National Association of Independent Schools’ Thrive 2025, “Creating a Culture of Civil Discourse in Your School Community” (February 26, 1-4pm CT) and “Navigating Challenging Conversations at School” (February 27, 11:15am-12:30pm CT). Don’t miss them!
NextGen Roundtable: AI & Democracy Summer Institute
July 13-19, 2025 | Stanford University | Palo Alto, CA
As technology plays a growing role in our society and politics, how can we help young people understand artificial intelligence and its implications on our world? How should we monitor AI? How can we make sure youth voices are heard as decisions are made to impact their future? During this weeklong institute, hosted in partnership by Close Up, the Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University (DDL), and the Crowdsourced Democracy Team at Stanford Engineering, students will explore how rapid changes in tech and AI impact education, the environment, the economy, and our democracy and elections. You’ll hear from tech innovators, academics, and advocates; evaluate a variety of policies at the intersection of tech and society; and produce a youth report on your own recommendations. All attendees will also have the chance to earn a Certification in Civil Discourse through Close Up and DDL.
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